Slovenia is a country that’s rich in culture, history, and tradition. From its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant cities, there’s no shortage of things to explore in this Central European gem. But if you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience what makes Slovenia so special, attending one of the country’s many annual events is an absolute must.
Throughout the year, Slovenia hosts a wide variety of events that showcase the country’s unique heritage and customs. Whether you’re interested in music, art, food, sports, or something else entirely, there’s something for everyone. From the world-famous music festival in July to the traditional Christmas markets in December, Slovenia’s annual events offer something for every taste and interest.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best events that take place each month in Slovenia. So whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, get ready to experience the best of Slovenia’s annual events in 2023.
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January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, DecemberJanuary events: Winter Fun in Slovenia
January is a great time to visit Slovenia for winter sports and festivals. With snow covering the mountains and charming towns, there are plenty of outdoor activities and cultural events to enjoy.
1. Zlata Lisica – Golden Fox, Alpine Skiing World Cup race, Maribor: Every January, Maribor hosts the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup, attracting top skiers from around the world.
2. Planica Ski Jumping World Cup, Planica: The Ski Jumping World Cup in Planica is a must-see event for sports fans, with record-breaking jumps and exciting competitions.
3. Ski Jumping – Women’s World Cup, Ljubno ob Savinji
4. Castles of king Matjaž, Črna na Koroškem: The festival celebrates the legend of King Matjaž, a mythical ruler who is said to reside in the Peca mountain range in the country’s northern region. This event also features a range of winter sports activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating. Visitors can also sample a variety of local food and drink, including traditional Slovenian dishes and hot mulled wine.
February events: Romantic Getaways and Carnival Fun
February is a great month to visit Slovenia for a romantic getaway or to experience the traditional carnival celebrations.
5. Alpe Adria Tourism & Leisure Fair, Ljubljana: This event is the largest tourism and leisure fair in Slovenia, offering visitors a chance to discover the best destinations and experiences in the region.
6. Cerknica Carnival, Cerknica: The Cerknica Carnival is one of the most popular and unique cultural events in Slovenia, featuring colorful costumes, music, and dancing.
7. Conventa, Ljubljana: Conventa is a leading business event in Slovenia that brings together professionals from the meetings and events industry to network and exchange ideas.
8. GASTexpo – Sejmi okusov, Ljubljana: This food and beverage fair in Ljubljana showcases the best of Slovenian and international cuisine, with a focus on quality and sustainability.
9. Kurentovanje, Ptuj: Kurentovanje is a traditional carnival celebration in Ptuj, featuring colorful costumes and masks, music, and dancing. The “Kurents”, mythical creatures, bring good luck and drive away winter spirits.
10. LUV, Ljubljana: Ljubljana Urban Culture Festival is an annual event that celebrates the urban and alternative culture of Ljubljana, including music, art, and street performances.
11. Natour – Alpe Adria Turizem in prosti čas, Ljubljana: This fair in Ljubljana showcases sustainable tourism and leisure activities in the Alpe Adria region, promoting eco-friendly travel and outdoor experiences.
12. Sporto, Planica: This annual sports marketing and sponsorship conference takes place in Planica, bringing together experts and professionals from the sports industry to discuss trends and innovations.
13. Dragon Carnival, Ljubljana: The Dragon Carnival in Ljubljana celebrates the city’s iconic dragon symbol, with music, food, and other activities.
March events: Springtime Festivities in Slovenia
March marks the beginning of spring in Slovenia, with colorful festivals and celebrations throughout the country.
14. St. Gregory’s Day, Ljubljana: On St. Gregory’s Day, locals gather at the Ljubljanica River to watch the “dragon” emerge from the water and predict the weather for the coming year.
15. Collecta, Ljubljana: An annual event in Slovenia that showcases a wide range of collectibles, such as stamps, coins, and postcards. The event is typically held in Ljubljana and brings together collectors and enthusiasts from across Slovenia and beyond. It offers a platform for exhibitors to display and trade their collections, and for visitors to browse and purchase items that interest them.
16. Exodos, Ljubljana: Festival of contemporary performing arts with a diverse program of theater, dance, and other performing arts, with a focus on innovative and experimental works.
17. International Home Fair, Ljubljana: Event that showcases the latest trends and innovations in home design, construction, and renovation. The fair brings together exhibitors from Slovenia and other countries to display their products and services, including furniture, appliances, building materials, and interior design solutions.
18. Ljubljana International Documentary Film Festival, Ljubljana: The festival features a wide range of films on a variety of subjects, including social issues, politics, culture, and the environment. It also includes workshops, panels, and other events aimed at promoting the art and craft of documentary filmmaking.
April events: Blossoming Slovenia
April is a great time to visit Slovenia for outdoor activities and to see the country’s beautiful landscapes in full bloom.
19. Easter Celebrations, Throughout Slovenia: Easter is an important holiday in Slovenia, with traditions including painted eggs, processions, and special meals.
20. Chocolate Festival, Radovljica: a delicious event that celebrates all things chocolate. The festival brings together chocolatiers from Slovenia and beyond, who showcase their creations and offer tastings. Visitors can also participate in chocolate workshops, watch chocolate-making demonstrations, and indulge in various chocolate treats.
21. Ljubljana Fashion Week: an event that showcases the latest trends in Slovenian and international fashion, it features runway shows, presentations, and exhibitions. It attracts designers, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world and is a platform for emerging talents to showcase their work.
22. Slovene Book Days, Ljubljana: A celebration of Slovenian literature and culture. The event features book presentations, readings, discussions, and other cultural activities. It aims to promote Slovenian literature and to encourage reading and cuultural engagement.
23. Spring Tulip Exhibition, Arboretum Volčji potok: a vibrant display of tulips and other spring flowers. The exhibition takes place in Volčji Potok Arboretum, a beautiful botanical garden located near Ljubljana. It features over 2 million tulips and other bulbs, arranged in colorful displays that attract visitors from Slovenia and beyond.
24. Open Kitchen, Ljubljana: Open Kitchen is a weekly culinary event held in the center of Ljubljana during the summer months. The event brings together chefs, restaurants, and food vendors from across Slovenia, who offer their signature dishes for visitors to try. It is a popular event among locals and tourists and offers a unique culinary experience in the heart of Ljubljana.
25. Kresna Noč (Bonfire Night), Throughout Slovenia: On the night before May Day, bonfires are lit throughout Slovenia to celebrate the arrival of spring.
May events: Festivals and Celebrations in Slovenia
May is a month of festivals and celebrations in Slovenia, with events ranging from music and dance to food and wine.
26. Druga Godba, Ljubljana: Music festival that takes place in Ljubljana, featuring a diverse program of world music from different regions and cultures. The festival has been running since 1984 and has become one of the most important music events in Slovenia. It aims to promote cultural diversity and understanding through music and to showcase emerging talents from around the world.
27. Internautica International Boat Show, Portorož: The show features a wide range of boats, yachts, and marine equipment, as well as related services and activities. It is a popular event among boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and tourists and offers a platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services.
28. Month of Daffodils, Jesenice: The event celebrates the arrival of spring and the blooming of daffodils, which are a symbol of hope and renewal. It features various cultural and artistic activities, such as exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and workshops, and aims to promote the town’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
29. PODIM, Maribor: Business and innovation event that takes place in Maribor, a city in northeastern Slovenia. The event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals from Slovenia and beyond, to network, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities. It features various activities, such as workshops, pitch competitions, keynote speeches, and matchmaking sessions, and aims to support the growth and development of startups and innovative businesses.
30. SKIS Market, Ljubljana: Music event in Ljubljana that features a diverse program of live music performances, ranging from indie and alternative rock to electronic and experimental music. The event takes place in a historic market hall and offers a unique atmosphere for music lovers and enthusiasts to discover new bands and artists.
31. Three Hearts Marathon, Radenci: Sports event in Radenci, a spa town in northeastern Slovenia. The event features various running distances, ranging from 10k to a full marathon, and attracts both amateur and professional runners from Slovenia and beyond. It offers a scenic route through the town and the surrounding countryside and is a popular event among sports enthusiasts and runners.
32. Vinska Vigred, Metlika: Culinary event in southeastern Slovenia that celebrates the local wine and culinary traditions and features various tastings, exhibitions, and workshops. It offers visitors the opportunity to discover the region’s unique wines and culinary specialties and to learn about the local cultural heritage.
33. Wildflower Festival, Bohinj: Cultural event in Bohinj, a picturesque alpine valley in northwestern Slovenia. The event celebrates the region’s natural beauty and diversity and features various activities, such as guided hikes, photography workshops, art exhibitions, and educational programs. It aims to promote environmental awareness and to preserve the local flora and fauna.
June events: Summer Festivities in Slovenia
June marks the beginning of summer in Slovenia, with plenty of outdoor festivals and events.
34. Ana Desetnica Street Theatre Festival, Ljubljana: The Ana Desetnica Street Theatre Festival brings together performers from around the world for a week of outdoor theatre.
35. Bled Water Festival, Bled: An event that celebrates the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with various activities such as water sports competitions, music concerts, and exhibitions. The festival promotes environmental awareness and to preserve the local flora and fauna.
36. Borštnik Theatre Festival, Maribor: The festival showcases the best contemporary theater productions from Slovenia and other countries, featuring various genres and styles, including drama, comedy, experimental theater, and puppetry.
37. Festival Lent, Maribor: Festival Lent in Maribor is one of the largest cultural festivals in Slovenia, with a diverse program of music concerts, theater performances, dance shows, and visual arts exhibitions, as well as culinary and wine-tasting events. The festival aims to promote cultural diversity and to foster community engagement and participation.
38. Grossman Festival, Ljutomer: Film festival celebrates independent and art-house films from Slovenia and other countries, featuring various genres and themes, including drama, documentary, animation, and experimental films. The festival promotes independent filmmaking and to encourage cultural exchange and dialogue.
39. Gora Rocka Festival, Tolmin: Music festival that features a diverse program of rock music performances, ranging from mainstream to underground bands and artists.
40. Idrija Lace Festival, Idrija: Cultural event that celebrates the local tradition of lace-making, which has been recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival features various exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations of traditional lace-making techniques, as well as music and dance performances. The festival promotes cultural heritage and to preserve the local craft traditions.
41. Jurjevanje, Črnomelj: Folk festival that celebrates the local cultural heritage, featuring various folk music and dance performances, as well as exhibitions and workshops of traditional crafts, culinary specialties, and costumes.
42. Ljubljana Jazz Festival, Ljubljana: Music festival featuring a diverse program of jazz music performances, ranging from traditional to contemporary jazz, and featuring both local and international musicians.
43. Marathon Franja, Ljubljana and its surroundings: Cycling event on various cycling routes of different distances, ranging from recreational to competitive levels, and attracts both amateur and professional cyclists from Slovenia and other countries.
44. Mini Summer, International Puppet Festival, Ljubljana: A puppet festival featuring various puppetry performances from Slovenia and other countries, including puppet shows, shadow theater, and marionettes.
July events: Summer Fun in Slovenia
July is a popular month for outdoor activities in Slovenia, with sunny weather and a variety of festivals and events.
45. Bled Days, Bled: Bled Days is a celebration of the town’s rich history and culture, with traditional music, food, and other activities.
46. Soča Outdoor Festival, Soča Valley: The festival in the beautiful Soča Valley is a great opportunity to try adventure sports like rafting, kayaking, and climbing.
47. Beer and Flowers Festival, Laško: A festival that celebrates the combination of beer and flowers, with activities such as tastings and exhibitions
48. International Music Festival Bled: A multi-day music festival showcasing diverse musical styles from around the world, with performances by both established and emerging artists.
49. Metal Days, lake Velenje: A music festival dedicated to heavy metal, featuring performances by popular and up-and-coming bands in the genre.
50. Mini Summer festival, Ljubljana: Festival offering a range of cultural and entertainment activities for visitors, such as live music and outdoor films.
51. Mountain Marathon, Tolmin: A challenging long-distance running event that takes place on mountain trails, requiring participants to navigate difficult terrain and elevation changes.
52. Okarina Etno Festival Bled: A festival celebrating traditional and contemporary folk music, with performances by musicians from Slovenia and beyond.
53. Solčavsko Days, Solčava: A local festival in Solčava, Slovenia, that celebrates the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with activities such as hiking, folk music performances, and local food tastings.
54. Trnfest international summer festival, Ljubljana: A summer festival that features a variety of cultural events, such as theater performances, music concerts, and film screenings, from artists and performers from around the world.
August events: Festivals and Music in Slovenia
August is a month of music and festivals in Slovenia, with events ranging from traditional folk music to international jazz.
55. Agra – International Fair Of Agriculture And Food, Gornja Radgona: An annual international trade fair showcasing the latest products and technologies in the agriculture and food industry, with exhibitions and demonstrations by leading manufacturers and suppliers.
56. Bled Strategic Forum, Bled: A high-level international conference that brings together political leaders, business executives, and experts to discuss global political, economic, and security issues.
57. Days of Poetry and Wine, Ptuj: A cultural event that combines poetry readings, literary discussions, and wine tastings in the picturesque town of Ptuj, Slovenia.
58. Festival Radovljica, Radovljica: A summer festival that celebrates the local culture and heritage of the town of Radovljica, with events such as concerts, exhibitions, and traditional food tastings.
59. Imago Sloveniae Nights in Ljubljana Old Town, Ljubljana: A series of cultural events held in the historic Old Town of Ljubljana, featuring performances by renowned musicians, dancers, and theater groups.
60. Jazz Kamp, Kranj: An annual music camp that offers workshops and masterclasses in jazz music for musicians of all levels, culminating in a series of concerts and performances.
61. Kamfest – Summer Culture Festival, Kamnik: A summer festival that features a diverse range of cultural events, including music concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions, held in the town of Kamnik, Slovenia.
62. Mladi Levi International Festival, Ljubljana: A cutting-edge theater and performance festival that showcases innovative and experimental works by emerging artists from around the world.
63. Seviqc Brežice, different venues: A music festival that celebrates early music and historical performance practices, with concerts and recitals by leading musicians and ensembles in the field.
64. Sweet Istria, Koper: A food festival that celebrates the traditional sweets and desserts of the Istrian region, with tastings and workshops led by local pastry chefs and bakers.
65. Zmaj ‘ma mlade« Festival, Postojna: A youth-oriented festival that offers a range of activities and events, such as concerts, sports tournaments, and workshops, aimed at promoting creativity and self-expression among young people in Slovenia.
September events: Plenty of food and wine to enjoy at festivals in Slovenia
September is a month of harvest festivals and celebrations in Slovenia, with plenty of food and wine to enjoy.
66. Biennale of Graphic Arts, Ljubljana: An international biennial exhibition of contemporary graphic arts, showcasing a range of techniques and styles from around the world.
67. BIO Biennial of Design, Ljubljana: A biennial exhibition of contemporary design that explores the social, economic, and cultural impact of design on society.
68. Collecta, Črnomelj: An annual music festival featuring performances by local and international artists, held in the town of Črnomelj in southeastern Slovenia.
69. Festival Maribor, Maribor: An annual music festival that features a diverse range of performances, including classical, jazz, and world music, held in the city of Maribor.
70. Festival of the Old Vine, Maribor: An annual culinary event that celebrates the centuries-old tradition of winemaking in Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia.
71. International Trade Fair, Celje: An annual business-to-business event that brings together companies from a wide range of industries to showcase their products and services.
72. Kravji Bal, Bohinj: An annual cultural event that celebrates the end of the summer grazing season in the Bohinj region, with traditional music, dance, and food.
73. Management Congress, Portorož: An annual business event that brings together executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to discuss trends and strategies in management.
74. National Costumes and Clothing Heritage Days, Kamnik: An annual cultural event that celebrates the rich tradition of national costumes and clothing in Slovenia, with exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
75. Nature – Health Fair, Ljubljana: An annual fair that showcases products and services related to natural and holistic health, held in the capital city of Ljubljana.
76. Pika’s Festival, Velenje: An annual cultural event that celebrates children’s literature and creativity, with readings, workshops, and performances, held in the city of Velenje.
77. Poli Marathon, Ptuj: An annual sporting event that includes a full marathon, half-marathon, and 10K race, held in the city of Ptuj.
78. Soča Valley Hiking festival, Kobarid: An annual sporting event that celebrates hiking and the natural beauty of the Soča Valley, with guided hikes, workshops, and other outdoor activities.
79. Vilenica International Literary Festival, different venues: An annual cultural event that celebrates literature and the written word, with readings, discussions, and other literary activities.
October events: Autumn Festivals in Slovenia
October is a beautiful month in Slovenia, with colorful foliage and plenty of festivals and events.
80. Barcolana, Portorož: The Barcolana is the largest sailing regatta in the world that takes place in the Gulf of Trieste. It is a spectacular event where thousands of sailboats of different sizes and shapes participate, attracting many visitors from around the world.
81. City of Women – International Festival of Contemporary Arts, Ljubljana: The City of Women is a festival of contemporary arts that celebrates women’s creativity in various forms such as music, theater, dance, film, and visual arts. It brings together international and local artists and promotes the idea of gender equality in the cultural sector.
82. Fashion Week, Ljubljana: Fashion Week is an annual event that showcases the latest trends in Slovenian fashion. It includes fashion shows, presentations, and exhibitions by established and emerging Slovenian designers, as well as workshops and talks about the fashion industry.
83. Golden Drum International Advertising Festival, Portorož: The Golden Drum is a prestigious international advertising festival that celebrates creativity and excellence in advertising and communication. It brings together advertising agencies, creative professionals, and marketers from different countries to share their knowledge, experience, and ideas.
84. Gourmet Ljubljana, Ljubljana: A culinary event that showcases the best of Slovenian cuisine, wines, and gastronomy. It includes food tastings, cooking workshops, culinary tours, and other food-related activities that promote the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Slovenia.
85. Ljubljana Marathon, Ljubljana: The Ljubljana Marathon is an annual running event that attracts thousands of participants from around the world. It includes a full marathon, a half marathon, and other running races of different lengths, as well as a family run and other fun activities for all ages.
86. Month of Design, Ljubljana: A design festival that celebrates creativity, innovation, and sustainability in design. It includes exhibitions, workshops, talks, and other events that promote design as a tool for solving social, environmental, and economic challenges.
87. Restaurant Week, restaurants across Slovenia: Restaurant Week is a culinary event that takes place in different parts of Slovenia, where participating restaurants offer special menus at discounted prices. It is an excellent opportunity to try out some of the best Slovenian restaurants and taste the local cuisine.
88. SEMPL, Portorož: SEMPL is a regional conference on marketing and media that brings together experts, professionals, and researchers from different countries to share their knowledge, experience, and insights about the latest trends and challenges in marketing and media.
November events: Wine festivals in Slovenia
November is a great month to visit Slovenia for wine lovers, as many wine festivals take place throughout the country in November to celebrate St. Martin’s day.
89. Ambient Ljubljana Furniture Fair, Ljubljana: This fair showcases the latest trends and designs in the furniture industry, including furniture for the home, office, and outdoor spaces. It attracts designers, architects, furniture manufacturers, and buyers from around the world.
90. Animateka, Ljubljana: Animateka is an annual international animated film festival that takes place in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The festival showcases animated films from around the world, including short films, feature films, and experimental films. It also includes workshops, exhibitions, and special events for both professionals and the general public.
91. Kaki Festival, Strunjan: The festival celebrates the harvest of persimmons, also known as kakis. It includes a market where visitors can buy fresh persimmons and various products made from persimmons, such as jams, cakes, and liqueurs. It also features traditional music and dance performances, as well as a competition for the best persimmon-based product.
92. LIFFe, Ljubljana: The Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFe) showcases a selection of the latest and best films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts. It also includes workshops, discussions, and special events for film professionals and enthusiasts.
93. Ljubljana Wine Route, Ljubljana: It is a celebration of Slovenian wines and winemaking traditions. The event includes wine tastings, presentations, and workshops. Visitors can learn about different grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and wine regions in Slovenia.
94. Martinovanje, across Slovenia: It takes place throughout Slovenia in November to celebrate the St. Martin’s Day holiday. The different events include wine tastings, traditional Slovenian food, music, and dance performances. Visitors can also learn about the history and traditions of winemaking in Slovenia.
95. SILA Charity Bazaar, Ljubljana: It is a charity event organized by the International Women’s Club of Ljubljana. The bazaar features stalls selling a variety of items, including handmade crafts, food, and drinks. The proceeds from the event go to support various charities and humanitarian organizations.
96. Slovenian Wine Festival, Ljubljana: The festival is a celebration of Slovenian wines and winemaking traditions. It features wine tastings, presentations, and workshops, as well as traditional Slovenian food, music, and dance performances.
97. Wine Road Under Kranj, Kranj: The Wine Road Under Kranj is an annual event that takes place in the wine-growing region near the town of Kranj, Slovenia. It is a celebration of the local winemaking traditions and includes wine tastings, presentations, and workshops.
December events: Christmas Markets in Slovenia
December is a month of Christmas markets in Slovenia, with festive lights, decorations, and traditional food and drinks.
98. Ljubljana Festive December, Ljubljana: It is the largest Christmas market in Slovenia, with vendors selling crafts, food, and drinks.
99. Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Ljubljana: The festival showcases films that explore LGBTQ+ themes and issues, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts. It also includes workshops, discussions, and special events for LGBTQ+ communities and allies.
100. Nativity in Postojnska Jama, Postojna cave: The Nativity in Postojna cave is one of the largest and most popular tourist attractions in Slovenia. The event is a unique and magical experience that combines the natural beauty of the cave with the traditional story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The cave is decorated with hundreds of live animals, including horses, sheep, and camels, as well as actors portraying Mary, Joseph, and the Three Wise Men. Visitors can walk through the cave and witness the story of the Nativity come to life in this stunning and unforgettable setting.
